{"id":1100,"date":"2014-04-30T19:01:35","date_gmt":"2014-04-30T19:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jtechphotonics.com\/?page_id=1100"},"modified":"2023-06-05T08:34:30","modified_gmt":"2023-06-05T14:34:30","slug":"shapeoko-2-cnc-upgrade","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jtechphotonics.com\/?page_id=1100","title":{"rendered":"Shapeoko 1 and 2 CNC Upgrade"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The ShapeOko project is one of the fastest growing open source do it yourself CNC machines ever.\u00a0 It is made from the popular makerslide and standard Arduino electronics.\u00a0 Check it out at ShapeOko.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So, if you are one of the thousands who own a ShapeOko and are having fun making stuff but want more, this is your answer!\u00a0 Let’s put a laser on it and do some engraving and cutting!<\/p>\n

These instructions show how to electronically connect the laser driver and the commands needed to control the laser in G Code. \u00a0So let’s get started!<\/p>\n

Mechanical Mount<\/h2>\n

Many people have integrated the laser onto the Z axis of the ShapeOko with success. \u00a0Just look at the mounting dimensions on the documentation page for the hole locations. \u00a0It is also advisable to provide a fan for active cooling behind the laser as well. \u00a0Mounting a fume extractor is also beneficial when cutting materials like plastic as the fumes can be dangerous.<\/p>\n

We have made a custom mount for the shapeoko that fits into the existing spindle holders. \u00a0If you have a 3D printer you can download it here: \u00a0DOWNLOAD CUSTOM SHAPEOKO MOUNT<\/a><\/p>\n

If you don’t have a 3D printer, then buy it in our store! \u00a0Click here to buy the mount.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Electronics – Connecting the Kit<\/h2>\n

The standard ShapeOkO2 electronics are the Arduino Uno<\/a> and the GShield<\/a>.\u00a0 If you bought from the Inventables<\/a> and got the entire kit, you got an original Arduino Uno.\u00a0 If you bought the electronics from Synthetos<\/a> then you will have a different Arduino board.\u00a0 No matter, the connection is the same either way!<\/p>\n

The Shapeoko uses the popular open source machine control firmware GRBL<\/a>\u00a0for its operation. \u00a0They now have different versions which require you to hook up the laser differently. \u00a0We will cover both versions here.<\/p>\n

GRBL Version 0.8 and lower (Shapeoko 1 and older 2’s)<\/h4>\n

If you bought your Shapeoko before January 2015 and have not upgraded your firmware then you probably have GRBL 0.8 on your machine. \u00a0The connection is pretty easy.\u00a0 You can either connect to the GShield on the top or to the bottom with the Arduino.\u00a0 Soldering a wire into one of the holes is the easiest way to get going.\u00a0 Or you can solder a piece of a standard break away header<\/a> and use a jumper wire cable<\/a>.\u00a0 Either way you are going to need to connect the following:<\/p>\n